Nina Williams and her bridesmaids prep for wedding photographs after Saturday's ceremony at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ in Seaside. / Travis Geske

Written by

J. Michael Rivera

For The Salinas Californian

Rynell and Nina Williams make their enterance at Saturday's reception at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. / Travis Geske

ABOUT THIS SERIES

"The Wow Factor" is a five-part series that followed North Salinas High grad Nina Williams and KDON morning show DJ Rynell "Showbiz" Williams through the final weeks of preparation leading up to their dream wedding June 12.

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Months of budgeting, planning and fretting came down to one glorious afternoon, as one Salinas couple tied the knot June 12 at a Seaside church.

Nina and Rynell Williams said their wedding vows before a packed congregation at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ on a warm coastal afternoon.

With the nuptials, the final chapter of The Californian's inside look at a Central Coast platinum wedding comes to a close.

"The ceremony was gorgeous," said Irma Poindexter, Nina's aunt, of Rancho Cordova. "We hope the love that was shown today will continue throughout their lives."

A Hammond organ punctuated the stuffy air with a soulful rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Ribbons in the Sky," as ladies cooled themselves with fans provided in the backs of pews.

After a ceremonial candle-lighting, the service continued with an interpretive praise dance to gospel recording artist Marvin Sapp's 2002 hit "I Believe." Moments later each of the seven couples that made up the wedding party strutted and strolled down the aisle.

When the party was in place, Nina walked down the aisle, resplendent in her white gown and veil, while Luther Vandross' "Here and Now" played.

Music factored heavily into the ceremony and reception, with songs spanning gospel, R&B, jazz and hip-hop genres. One might expect this for Rynell "Showbiz" Williams, who is known to multitudes on the Central Coast as half of the 102.5 FM KDON morning show lineup.

The Rev. Welton McGee kept the mood light during the 40-minute ceremony, while a kiss sealed the deal.

"Everything went really well," said Robert Williams, Rynell's older brother and best man. "There were some pretty emotional moments during the ceremony."

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It's no secret that the Williamses spent most of their wedding budget on their reception. One look inside the banquet hall where guests gathered to celebrate and it was easy to understand.

Two digital projection screens flanked a sizeable dance floor in the middle of the room, while music blasted from speakers at each end. Each round table had perfectly arranged table settings, and fabric chair covers with tulle bows.

A Tiffany blue box sat at the exact center of each place setting and contained the ultimate girlie wedding favor — scented lip gloss in a clear container. Rynell's and Nina's names and wedding date appeared on a color-coordinated label on the lid of each container of lip gloss.

The yellow orchid, yellow tulip and willow branch arrangements made a perfect complement to the blue. "It's just beautiful," said Desirée Boutte-Sankey, Nina's cousin, who lives in Los Angeles and works as a designer. "I kept asking her if she needed anything and she said, 'No, no, I got this. I just want you to relax and enjoy yourself.' She got it all right. I love it."

After a quick wardrobe change after dinner, Nina reappeared in her second dress, more suitable for dancing. Which seemed appropriate, as the wedding party left the reception at 11 p.m. for a planned after-party at the Hippodrome.

The honeymoon destination remained unknown. "It's a secret," Robert Williams said with a smile.